According to the enrollment plan of Hanoi University of Culture in 2025, candidates with IELTS 4.0 will receive 3 bonus points. This has caused a lot of controversy.

In fact, the practice of adding bonus points for candidates with IELTS certificates is not new and has been applied by many universities. At Hanoi University of Science and Technology, candidates with IELTS 5.0 (or equivalent) will be given 1 bonus point, from IELTS 7.0, 5 bonus points will be added, the score is calculated on a scale of 100. At Hanoi University of Pharmacy, candidates with IELTS from 5.5 (or equivalent) will be given bonus points. The highest bonus point is 2 points for IELTS 9.0. Cryptography Engineering Academy also added bonus points to candidates with IELTS 5.5 or higher. The bonus point ranges from 1.5 to 2.5 points. Hanoi University of Education adds 1-3 bonus points to those with IELTS from 6.5.

Most recently, Saigon University announced that in 2025, it will add bonus points for candidates with IELTS (or equivalent) in the admission combination without English, with IELTS 4.0-5.0 plus 1 point; 5.5-6.5 plus 1.5 points; from 7.0 and above plus 2 points.

Not against the regulations, but IELTS 4.0 is only equivalent to basic student level

Associate Professor, Dr. To Van Phuong, Head of Training Department (Nha Trang University) affirmed that giving bonus points to candidates with foreign language certificates, especially English, has been shown in the revised admission regulations for 2025. This encourages candidates to study and take the IELTS exam, thereby improving their English proficiency, especially in the context of the policy of making English the second language in schools. However, determining the appropriate bonus points is a complicated issue, requiring consideration of many factors.

According to Mr. Phuong, with an IELTS score of 4.0, according to the conversion table to the 6-level Foreign Language Proficiency Framework, it is equivalent to level 3/6. Thus, it basically meets the "output standards" of high school graduates. However, from a training management perspective, Mr. Phuong sees that 4.0 in IELTS is equivalent to a basic level of students, with the ability to understand and use English in familiar situations. In order for candidates to improve from band 4.0 to 6.0, it requires independent English proficiency, the ability to handle more complex situations, and significant improvement in all 4 skills, especially the ability to use the language flexibly and accurately. Most schools are using IELTS 6.0 to convert the English subject to 9 points.

Mr. Phung Quan - admissions consultant (Ho Chi Minh City University of Natural Sciences) analyzed that Circular 06/2025 of the Ministry of Education and Training allows training institutions to convert foreign language certificates (such as IELTS) into admission scores, with the following regulations: Foreign language certificates are converted into foreign language subject scores in the admission combination, but the weight does not exceed 50% of the total combination score; The total bonus points (including incentives) do not exceed 10% of the assessment scale, that is, a maximum of 3 points if the scale is 30. Therefore, if a school adds 3 incentive points to candidates with IELTS 4.0, it is not against the regulations. If the bonus points do not exceed 3 points, they are converted validly and must be publicly converted, ensuring that the total assessment score does not exceed the scale.

IELTS test taker
Candidates taking IELTS certificate exam.

According to Associate Professor Bui Hoai Thang, Head of Training Department (Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology), adding points for candidates with IELTS is a move to encourage improving foreign language skills in school and has been regulated by the Ministry of Education and Training. On the other hand, IELTS 4.0 meets the high school output requirements, after high school, candidates will continue to study at university to have a level 3/6 output according to regulations.

“In case the school has few students who meet this threshold at the entrance, choosing to add points is not a problem. If considering within a school, it is unfair for the candidates applying to that school (in the same major), but if the school has a surplus of candidates, candidates do not fear losing opportunities and still ensure fairness,” said Mr. Thang.

Adding 3 points in university admission is a big problem

According to Associate Professor To Van Phuong, whether to add bonus points, to what extent, or up to a maximum of 3 points (on a 30-point scale) according to the regulations for international certificates, will be decided by universities, based on the characteristics and context of each school. However, the maximum incentive of 3 points for candidates should be carefully considered because it can make a significant difference in the admission results.

“It is necessary to ensure that this encouragement does not create inequality in admission between candidates with and without IELTS certificates. Many students who lack access to IELTS exams may be disadvantaged. This will greatly affect the basic principles of admission such as fairness to candidates, equality between training institutions and transparency to society,” said Mr. Phuong.

Mr. Phung Quan said that adding 3 points for candidates who achieve IELTS 4.0 can be controversial, because 4.0 is a low level, but the maximum points are added, which can easily create a feeling of unfairness compared to higher levels such as IELTS 6.0.

"Adding 3 points to IELTS 4.0 is valid in terms of regulations, but it is necessary to carefully consider its reasonableness and transparency to avoid causing misunderstandings or negative reactions," Mr. Quan suggested.

Meanwhile, Dr. Tran Dinh Ly - Vice Principal of Ho Chi Minh City University of Agriculture and Forestry frankly said: "IELTS 4.0 is too low, not worthy of 3 extra points".

Sharing the same opinion, according to the admissions director of a southern university, the school should set a specific scale of regulations such as IELTS 4.0-5.5 gets 1 point added; 6.0-7.0 gets 2 points added; 7.5 to 8.0 gets 3 points added.

“It is normal for all students to get a score of 3.5-4.0 on the IELTS test. Knowing how to communicate with foreigners requires a score of 6.0 or higher, because English according to IELTS standards is more focused on Academy - research. Meanwhile, 3 points in university admission is a big problem. If we only consider Math, this score accounts for 1/3 of the correct answers in the test. Candidates with good learning ability may not be able to complete all the Math questions to get a full 1/3 of this score. If we consider the transcript, the entire learning process in high school must try harder to get a high score. Therefore, the school encourages candidates but must be scientific, avoiding affecting the quality of university admissions,” he said.